Shaikh Dr Ghulam Mohammed khalifa of Allama Syed Suleman Nadwi (Allah have mercy on them) wrote the following after performing Hajj in 1971 (1390 Hijri),

‘The number of people performing Hajj is increasing every year due to spreading affluence, ease of transportation and availability of luxuries in Haramain. However, the number of sincere individuals (performing Hajj correctly) is steadily decreasing.

In general the pilgrims are neglectful of the etiquettes (adab), their reverence (ta’zeem) and the requisite knowledge of the procedure (masail of Hajj).

True repentance after Hajj and desire of changing the sinful lifestyle to a virtuous one is nonexistent and has become a meaningless thought. ‘

People regard different things to be the sign of a person’s perfection. Some people base perfection on one’s excessive ‘ibaadah (worship), while others base perfection on one’s level of taqwa (piety and abstinence). However, according to the ‘Ulama, the person who has truly acquired perfection is he who, with possessing the qualities of perfection, always keeps his weaknesses and faults before him at all times.

The passage was about when Arifbillah Dr Abdul Hayy ‘Aarfi (Allah have mercy on him) gave Ijaza of Baiyah to Mufti Rafi’, and he wrote a letter to Shaikh ‘Aarfi thereafter. The letter included how Mufti Rafi’ would feel dejected at his efforts for self-improvement but Shaikh ‘Aarfi’s letter granting Ijaza of Baiyah turned his low self-esteem into motivation to increase his efforts for self-improvement.

Hazrat Mufti Rafi’ Sahab DB commented at this passage:

“This is among the extraordinary effects of the company of a Shaikh. Dejection, lack of morale and hopelessness are converted into hope and motivation to exert one’s energies in the effort to improve oneself.”

After a prayers, Grand-Mufti of Pakistan Mufti Mohammed Rafi’ Usmani (Allah preserve & protect him) was walking towards a door of the Masjid to exit when someone approached him, shook hands with him and began talking to him about something. During this time a second person tried to approach him and shake his hands. Respected Mufti sternly pointed with his hands to him to stay away.

He was teaching him the basic etiquette that when two people are engaged in a conversation then a third should not interfere without permission.

Instead of a verbal lesson, this practical lesson will probably prove to be much more effective.

Grand-Mufti of Pakistan Mufti Mohammed Rafi’ Usmani (Allah preserve & protect him)advised seekers (performing eitikaf) that when returning to their respective cities/countries they should bring some gift for their family members.